Operator is an app that helps people shop with the help of an Expert. Operator Experts can work from any location. They can also work on a very flexible schedule. Today I’m sitting down with Shaina to learn more about this unique opportunity.

Tell us a little about yourself. What was your motivation to become an Operator Expert?

My name is Shaïna Michelle Doliny. I’m a nomadic artist working as freelance stylist and designer, who has a love for all things creative. I travel often and work on a lot of different projects that change from month to month. Before I began to work for Operator, I was looking to expand my work in a way that would allow me to still stay mobile and give me the flexibility that a work from home job provides. I came across Operator and I was really intrigued by the concept and the service they were providing. I was most motivated by the fact that I would get to use my expertise in art and fashion as an Expert to help people from all over the country. I am passionate about self-expression through style and working as a Fashion Expert for Operator allows me to help people with their style and connect them to great products. It’s very rewarding to be able to help people in a way that not only uses my expertise but allows me to share something I am passionate about.

Please share your success on the site. Are you able to meet your income goals?

I have been working as a Fashion Expert at Operator now for almost three months. In just a few months, I have found a lot of success in both handling client requests, as well as on the app’s Discover Feed, where I curate collections. I’ve found myself connecting and building client relationships with people through one-on-one requests, and have gained a great following through the Discover Feed in a short amount of time. With this quick success, I am able to meet my income goals with Operator easily in a way that best fits my schedule. Being able to log on and work when it best suits me, is great. If I set my goals, I am able to meet them in a way that works well for me, without strain. I also owe a lot of my success to the support that comes from the Operator team. They welcome you with open arms and provide you with great support to help you start off really well and build your success.

What’s the hiring process like? What are the requirements?

Operator has a rigorous application process to ensure its customers are being connected to the most appropriate expert – across fashion, home goods, electronics, or whichever area they’re looking in.

There are no set requirements, but every expert has to be able to demonstrate an expertise in their field through education, work experience or their personal passion and hobbies. For example, I’m a fashion expert in men’s and womenswear, and men’s and women’s accessories and shoes. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design and Styling & Communications from Nuova Academia di Belle Arti (NABA) Milan and have also worked as a fashion stylist and brand designer for a number of companies and designers, including the Ms./Mrs. Corporate America Organization, Alice Curti, Perry Ellis International, and Peace Love World.

Tell us about a day in the life of an Operator. Do you have a schedule? How do you complete your work?

The best part of working for Operator is the flexibility and the ability to work in fashion, which is my passion. I’m able to work from home, log on to work whenever I want, and scale up or down my hours depending on what else I have planned for that day. I usually set up a loose schedule at the beginning of the week and set goals for myself: such as the amount of sales I’d like to aim for or the amount of collections I’d like to curate and publish. I’m able to log on through my laptop and then can start connecting with customers right away to help them find what they need. When I don’t have time to handle client requests, or when it’s a bit slower I work on building collections for the Discover Feed. Most days I log on from home, other times I work from a cafe or if I’m traveling I work from wherever is most convenient (with Wi-Fi of course!).

Working for Operator has also offered me the opportunity to build my personal brand, profile, and client base across its customers while earning money and helping others.

What’s a normal conversation like?

Conversations vary depending on whom I’m speaking with. Sometimes, the person I’m speaking with knows exactly what they’re looking for, and I’m able to help them quickly find the best options and order that item. Other times, the person will have no idea what they want beyond an issue they’re trying to solve or a vague concept. For those, I have to work closely with the customer to get a better sense of what they’re looking for. We might exchange ideas – which makes the messaging interface of Operator really convenient – or I can even send them photos to make sure I’m on the right track. Those are often the most rewarding experiences, when I feel like I’m really helping people.

Tell us about the pay. What and how are you paid?

I get paid a commission from each item that my customers buy as well as various bonus amounts for reaching different milestones in my activity on Operator. Operator also rolled out Operator Discover, a new feature where experts can build collections of personally recommended items – similar to a custom look book. It’s been great for experts, because it means that we can earn commission on items even when we’re not online and working.

What tips do you have for those getting started on Operator?

Operator has a great expert community, where we’re able to share best practices, discuss any issues and connect with each other. It’s great to have that support as you’re getting started. I also think it’s important to be yourself and connect with the customer – at the end of the day, people want to know they’re connecting with a human who is able to offer that unique expertise. Operator was founded on the idea that former generations used to be able to dial “0” to be connected to an operator, who could help them or direct them, and that’s the level of service we want to provide.

Tell us about your favorite programs or resources for getting started? Any must-have tools of the trade?

I work from the browser Google Chrome, which I think is an essential when beginning to work for Operator. I think a great resource for all experts are social media sites. They’re a great way to get ideas about products and trends, especially when trying to get inspiration for curating collections. A little expert tip– when working with clients, try to keep a bookmarks folder of all your go to sites so you can easily get to them and make it easier and more seamless when getting products to suggest to clients.

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